The thought of inserting Alex Morgan into the game flashed through Paul Riley's mind.

With the Thorns struggling to finish scoring chances - again - and then falling behind late in the 1-0 loss to Sky Blue Saturday, seeing the image of No. 13 (Morgan's jersey number) streaking down the field was likely a tempting one for Riley.

"It would've been nice to throw Alex on," Riley said. "I think she could've won the game for us in those last 10 minutes."

Morgan was on the bench and available to play, but the Thorns coach said he had no intention of giving Morgan her first taste of game action this season. Morgan had completed a training session before the game as part of her progression and recovery from a left ankle injury and she wasn't going to play, but Riley said that having Morgan on the bench "was good for the team."

According to Riley, the original plan is for Morgan to make her season debut on the field in the Thorns home game against Western New York June 7. After the disappointing performance against Sky Blue and the ongoing scoring issues, Riley might speed up Morgan's timetable for her to play a few minutes in the Thorns' game at Boston Wednesday.

Going into Saturday's game against Sky Blue, the Thorns were third in the league in shots on goal, fourth in total shots and second in corners. But they were tied for sixth in goals scored with nine.

Riley may opt to hold Morgan out until the game against Western New York. Midfielder Veronica Boquete and defender Stephanie Catley are expected to arrive this week, giving Riley more options for his lineup.